According to CDC, 1 in 2 sexually active individuals may contract an STD by the age of 25. Nearly twenty million new STIs are detected annually, most occurring in people aged 15-24. Untreated STIs can develop into serious, life-threatening diseases. STD testing is necessary to detect the infection early on and undergo treatment before it affects your reproductive health and wellbeing. Early testing helps protect your unborn baby from infection as well. Learn more about the state’s best STD screening options in San Jose, California.
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California reported a 30-year high rate in three common STDs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) and HIV in 2018-19. Around 350,000 Californians were diagnosed with an STI in 2019. In the post-COVID era, gonorrhea rates increased significantly (nearly 200%), whereas chlamydia rose by 56%. Since 2010, the state has recorded a dramatic rise in syphilis and congenital syphilis rates, each marking a 265% and 600% increase, respectively. This alarming trend makes it necessary for every sexually active person to undergo STD testing, especially for high-risk groups, including people aged 15-49. There are many low-cost and free STD testing centers in San Jose, California, listed here.
2060 Aborn Rd Ste 200, San Jose, California 95121
2.37 mile
Tel: 4085320679
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
2470 Alvin Ave, San Jose, California 95121
1.73 mile
Tel: (408) 274-7100
Tel: (408) 274-8763
Appointment Required: No
Anyone is eligible for sexual health counseling services. Eligibility for HIV testing is determined through risk assessment with counselor. Most people qualify. Referrals for PrEP Navigation and STD Testing.
749 Story Rd, Ste 50, San Jose, California 95122
1.97 mile
Tel: (408) 975-2730
Appointment Required: Yes
Must enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
195 E Virginia St, San Jose, California 95112
2.32 mile
Tel: (408) 457-7100
Appointment Required: Yes
Punjabi and Urdu translation also available.
5138 Monterey Rd, Ste G, San Jose, California 95111
3.32 mile
Tel: (408) 687-4806
Appointment Required: Yes
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in San Jose, California. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.
Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.
It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
